Barbara Malatesta of Laurel and formerly of Wilmington passed away on July 8, 2022 at TidalHealth P.R.M.C. in Salisbury. Born in Wilmington, she was the daughter of the late Hassell VanDyke and Alice Taylor VanDyke. After graduation, she attended college in Tennessee, and lived there with her daughter for nine years. Barbara retired from the AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals in Wilmington as a Senior Account Specialist in the Grant Division. Her career began with AstraZeneca over 44 years ago when she began as a typist. She worked diligently and that hard work enabled her to advance within the corporation. 

As a single mom she strived to be the best mom and provider and always set a good example for her daughter Amy. Barbara was a wonderful wife, mom, grandmom, sister and friend to all. She made many life-long friends during her career and still stayed in contact with her colleagues every month for lunch and also enjoyed delivering meals to the needy by volunteering with Meals on Wheels. Barbara enjoyed taking cruises, gambling, bowling, but most importantly she enjoyed spending time with her family and making wonderful memories with them. 

She is survived by her daughter, Amy Fleetwood and her husband Horace “Eddie,” grandchildren, Kyle Adam, Thomas Marion, Andrew Hassel, Kaitlyn Rebecca, and Helen Joy Fleetwood; sisters, Joyce Taylor, Laureen Stigile, Betty Sweetman and Hope Moore; many nieces and nephews also survive her. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Gregory Malatesta, and her sister Carol Sweetman. 

A viewing was held on Saturday, July 16, at the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home in Laurel followed by the funeral service. Interment was private. Contributions may be made in Mrs. Malatesta’s honor to: Meals on Wheels, 32409 Georgetown Hwy., Lewes, Delaware 19956. Arrangements are in the care of the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home in Laurel.